If you have ever eaten a dried fruit or had a glass of wine, of course you have consumed a sulfite. Sulfites are chemicals that are added to foods as preservatives. They are most commonly used in dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots, and in wines. Sulfites in food help to prevent spoilage and discoloration, they can also be used to enhance flavor or color and they have antimicrobial properties.
Want to know more about sulfites? Let’s dive a little deeper into this topic.
-
Sodium Metabisulfite:
Sodium metabisulfite is a preservative that is added to dried fruits to prevent them from spoilage. It is also added to processed meats, such as ham and bacon, to prevent bacterial growth.
In addition, sodium metabisulfite is used by breweries to sterilize beer-making equipment.
-
Potassium Metabisulfite:
Potassium metabisulfite is a preservative that is added to wine to prevent the growth of bacteria and yeasts in wine. It is also used as an antioxidant in dried fruits. This helps to preserve the color and flavor of the fruit.
-
Food Acidity Issue:
Sulfites in food can help to neutralize the acids and make them easier to digest. However, the acidity of food can also affect the amount of sulfites that are present. For example, foods that are high in acid, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, can cause the breakdown of sulfites into other compounds. This can increase the amount of sulfites present in the food.
People who are sensitive to sulfites may experience headaches, hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or an asthma attack after eating foods that contain them. However, these reactions are rare. The FDA estimates that less than one percent of the population is sensitive to sulfites.
Consumption Limits
There is no need to limit your intake of foods that contain sulfites because they are present in such small amounts. However, if you have a sensitivity to sulfites, you should avoid foods that contain them.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set maximum limits on the amount of sulfites that can be added to food. The FDA limit for sodium metabisulfite is 0.1 percent by weight of the finished product. For potassium metabisulfite, the FDA limit is 0.2 percent by weight of the finished product.
Do you work in the food industry?
Sulfites can be found in everything from dried fruits to processed meats to dessert pies. So next time you sit down to enjoy a snack or a meal, keep in mind that sulfites may be lurking inside.
If you’re interested in learning more about sulfites in food, or you’re looking for a qualified industrial chemicals supplier, contact TZ Group today!
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services.
